Usain Bolt and his 2017 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award (© Getty Images)
Usain Bolt was named 2017 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year at a ceremony in Monaco on Tuesday (14).
Bolt, who successfully defended his Olympic 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay titles to leave Rio as one of the 2016 Olympic Games' biggest heroes, received the honour for a record-equalling fourth time. The 30-year-old Jamaican won previously in 2009, 2010 and 2013.
US gymnast Simone Biles, the first woman to win four gymnastics gold medals in a single Olympic Games, was named Laureus Sportswoman of the Year.
US swimmer Michael Phelps won the Comeback of the Year honour after returning to competition to compete at the Rio Games where he became the most decorated Olympian of all time.
The Olympic Refugee Team received the Laureus Sport for Good Award for Sporting Inspiration.
The Refugee Team, which consisted of 10 athletes competing in three sports, was formed by the International Olympic Committee for the Olympics in Rio to "act as a symbol of hope for refugees worldwide".
“This award is for the 65.4 million displaced people globally, who cannot go to their homes because of strife,” said Kenyan distance running legend Tegla Loroupe, the team’s chef de mission.
Nico Rosberg of Germany, the reigning Formula One world champion, won the Breakthrough of the Year award.
Italy's Beatrice Vio, the only quadruple amputee competing in international wheelchair fencing, won the Disability Award.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
